This is a masterpiece. Simple as that. Definitely in my top 3-5 animes of all time. This show has everything (comedy, romance, drama and, of course, tons of action). You fall in love with all of the characters and every side story and character really gets developed over 64 brilliant episodes. Don't think. Just watch.
Cross Game is absolutely one of the best anime shows (not just sports anime) that I've seen. Period. It is another masterpiece written by Mitsuru Adachi (of Touch and H2 fame). From the first episode (which is absolutely heartbreaking and a must-watch), the show just captures the viewer's attention and never lets go. The best part of Cross Game is that it is about more than just baseball. So much more. It is a story about dealing with the death of a loved one (it has a very similar feeling to AnoHana), friendship, and how two people grow and nurture each other through hardships and successes. The story may be a little bit predictable at times, but Cross Game is more about the total journey. Don't be intimidated by the length. Time flies and there really are no filler episodes (except for one recap episode) and by the end, I was wishing that the show would never end. The characters are truly what make this show exceptional and Aoba is one of my favorite female protagonists of all time. She is way more than just a tsundere and has so much depth to her character. Do yourself a favor and watch this masterpiece. It'll have you on the edge of seat the whole time.
This is THE anime that we've all been waiting and yearning for. Many of us hardcore Mushoku Tensei fans have been waiting years upon years for an anime adaptation to finally hit, and HIT it has. I was a little skeptical with a brand new studio undertaking this, but all the previews had looked great so I was cautiously optimistic. The source material is my absolute favorite isekai series (which says a lot) and the light/web novel will always hold a special place in my fandom. So how were the first two episodes so far (first has aired officially and the first two were previewed beforehand)?
AMAZING. I really don't know if it's just because the source material is that good, but this has been a SPOT ON adaptation so far. Right when I heard "Gintoki" as the NEET narrator, I knew shit was gonna be good. The sense of humor and pervertedness of Rudy is really well incorporated throughout the first two episodes, and makes this more than just a "another OP isekai". But even with that sense of humor, the anime has taken great depths to give solid (but not overwhelming) background info on the characters and highlighting particularly serious moments. This was especially evident in the second episode where the handling of Rudy's "fall into NEETness" and past trauma was interweaved perfectly into his current situation and setting.
I can't wait for the rest of the anime to air. It seems that a second cour has already been green-lighted so let's hope this can turn into one of those long-running anime series. If they can make it to the school arcs, I'll have lived a complete life...
Amazing show. Takes the whole concept of "magical girl" shows and throws it out the window. Very dark and emotional concepts thrown into a beautiful looking world with great characters. This is a must watch.
The Nastume Yuujinchou series is a powerful and heartwarming fantasy masterpiece among the anime world. I absolutely loved the series and couldn't stop watching till the very end. The quality through all 4 seasons was just superb without a hint of drop-off. The range of emotions and themes covered in Nastume Yuujinchou is beyond impressive. It would have me ROFL with Nyanko-sensei's antics in one minute to within Clannad-esque tears in the very next. However, what truly struck me was how N.Y. was able to find a duality/struggling conflict within all of these different themes and truly challenge the feelings and emotions of the viewer. This was done by creating such spectacular characters from Natsume and his family/friends down to the individual youkai that we meet for only a single episode. The creators do a magnificent job getting us emotionally invested in this world via these relatable and lovable characters. It's an amazing ride (and I hope we get another season) as we join Natsume on his journey as he learns to accept and understand his ever changing world, the people/youkai around him, and, ultimately, himself. This is right at the top of my list of must watch anime. Don't think. Just watch.
This is the most emotional anime that I've ever seen in my life. Probably my favorite anime ever so do what ever you can to watch this ASAP.
This is such a powerful and moving anime that deals with the effect of the loss of a loved one and how much it can deeply change us, young or old. In particular, the anime focuses on the effect of Menma's death as a young child on the 5 remaining "Super Peace Busters" group and it's very interesting to see how much her death has and, more interestingly, not changed this once close group of friends. There is an incredible driving force of guilt and jealously that permeates throughout the show, and so this anime is ultimately a story about the journey to resolve these emotions in order to let Menma rest in piece. A lot of the characters may not be completely likable in certain ways due to each one having every obvious flaws, but all those serious flaws interacting with each other are the times when the anime shines best. This is definitely a roller coaster of emotion (perhaps some tears along the way) but I loved the ending which resolves things very nicely. This is a touching story and a can't miss if you're interested in a more dramatic and moving anime. Watch it!!
I just finished bingeing Mindhunter as well and really enjoyed it like many others here. The show definitely had the whole David-Fincher-Zodiac-vibe going along with it (for obvious reasons), and I really enjoyed the pace of it all. The incarcerated killers were brilliantly acted with the portrayal of the killer Ed Kempfer as the star of it all. I really loved getting into the psychology of "serial killers" especially during a time when the field and knowledge around "serial killers" wasn't even really established or properly understood yet. Each different killer gave off their own unique and distinct vibe (with no copying of Hannibal Lecter), which only further added to the excitement in the show.
The first episode is pretty slow and doesn't give you a great sense of where the show is going, but the series really starts to take off in the second episode and I couldn't stop myself after that. Please give me a second season ASAP!
"Beautiful". That is how one would describe both a seven-colored rainbow and the anime Rainbow: Nisha Rokubou no Shichinin. How corny was that opening? But, honestly, it is the only word that I can think of to describe this breathtaking show about the beauty of true and everlasting bonds of friendship even during the darkest of times. This show is about the way seven teenagers (the "seven-colored Rainbow") condemned to the living hell of Shio Reformatory can withstand and survive horrors and pain that were beyond my wildest imaginations. Madhouse (god do I love them) created a masterpiece with this one and it got me addicted right from the start.
Both the story and characters are the main crux of the show, and they drive this emotional piece right through to the end and never let go of the viewer (no matter how hard we want to look away at times). And this is one dark and grim show. This is 10 years post-WWII Japan where the country is in shambles with starvation, crime and corruption rampant everywhere. The seven main boys are literally the lowest on the totem poll of society and are thrown into Shio to be used and almost disposed of, and the situations and events that are presented in this show represent those very thoughts. Rape, murder, betrayal, torture. You name it.
There were so many times that I wanted to just rage or was cringing during this show because of how unfair, despicable and disturbing things were at times. However, good things do eventually happen!! Rainbow gives us the light at the end of the tunnel at just the right times and the strength of the friendship and bond between the seven boys powers the viewer through all the despair. It connects us to the characters even more and you truly end up sympathizing and rooting for these guys throughout the show. It truly is awe-inspiring how the guys kept a positive outlook even in the worst of circumstances.
Rainbow: Nisha Rokubou no Shichinin is brutal to watch at times due to its highly graphic nature and mature themes, but the payoff in story and character development is unlike any other that I've seen in anime. More people need to see this show!! Madhouse created a masterpiece and if you have the stomach for it, I highly suggest that you watch this ASAP. It will not disappoint. Do it for An-chan.
After marathoning this amazing show and praying that the HBO adaptation somehow gets resurrected from the dead, I just have one thing left to say...
"Where is Jessica Hyde?"
Gintama is getting a new anime series premiering in April 2015. Based Santa-san has delivered once again and in thrilling fashion nonetheless. My body is beyond ready for more of my bro Gintoki's legendary antics.
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-12-21/gintama-gets-new-tv-anime-series-in-april/.82455
Just a spectacular, beautiful and mesmerizing anime. I was initially hesitant to start this because it seemed like it wouldn't be too exciting and able to hold my interest well but I instantly became addicted. It's a very easy show to watch as each episode is a story contained within itself, has its own theme, and you really don't encounter the same thing twice. Also, not all the stories end up happily and some are just heartbreaking which lend to keeping everything fresh. The creators masterfully created this world filled and thriving with mushi that just immerses you completely. Ginko is the perfect MC for the tone and themes of Mushi-shi with his calm, gentle and understanding nature. The only complaint I had was that literally every main male and female character looks the same (I honestly couldn't tell anyone apart between 75% of the different episodes). This is definitely up there on my list and a very relaxing and magical journey that is a very easy watch.
Good show but it was WAY too short. This should have been 24 episodes at least in order to really flesh out the other characters and their backstories. Still, it's a great show.
Praise be to the Lord/Allah/Buddha/Tom Cruise/Oprah!! Mushi-shi is getting a 2nd season (a full 2 cour) that is starting this coming April. Ginko be doin' work again in 2014 and it will be glorious.
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-01-04/mushishi-anime-gets-2nd-season-in-april
http://myanimelist.net/forum/?topicid=720487
I can only think of one thing when the great series Nodame Cantabile pops up into my mind... "GYAAAAAAAAAAAABO!" This is one of the finest animes that I've watched and if you have any interest in slice of life, romance/comedy and music, this is a no-brainer. You'll instantly fall in love with all of the characters, and the ever-developing dynamic between Chiaki and Nodame is truly a joy to behold. I can't get enough of the comedy in this series with the goofball Nodame anchoring it all down. The story is very well-done following the journey of these two through their college lives, with their love toward each other and with music. And my god. The music. If you have any interest in music, you'll be floored by all the spectacular classical pieces that they've worked into each episode. Time after time, the creators interweave a character's real-time analysis and feelings/emotions about a piece being played almost as a substitution for direct dialog to progress through countless critical scenes. You'll truly find depth in the pieces that could take an individual a life-time to notice. This is without a doubt one of the most fantastic romantic comedy animes out there (right there with Toradora although with less drama). Do yourself a favor and watch this ASAP.
The Twelve Kingdoms is such an absolutely amazing and breathtaking fantasy series. I recommend anyone looking for superb and detailed world-building and character development to watch this ASAP. Youko is kind of cringe-worthy the first few episodes but that just makes her growth in the series all the more satisfying. The third arc is one of the best 18 episodes of anything that I've seen. Even though things are left a bit incomplete with the series being canceled, this is still a worthwhile experience and gets a 9/10 even with these flaws. It's just that good.
I just wish that there was someway to finish this series (in anime or LN form). I'll always hope for a reboot/sequel for this.
Touch is the original masterpiece that came from the mind of legendary sports mangaka, Misturu Adachi, of H2 and Cross Game fame. While Cross Game is what first attracted to me to this series, Touch stands on its own as one of the best sports anime ever created. Much like Cross Game, I consider Touch more of a romantic slice-of-life that happens to have an emphasis on baseball. This style of Adachi’s is very familiar to his fans and he invokes similar themes, such as childhood friendship, struggle, competition and, of course, loss, just like in many of his works. However, I found the main male MC Tatsuya to be the one of the most unique of his main characters in this series and the one that I could relate to most. This is the true story of an outcast finding his way and purpose in life and love. This is a classic that deserves to be watched by fans of all ages.
The Major series is one of the most complete journeys that I’ve seen in an anime series. Over 154 episodes in 6 seasons, 2 OVAs and a movie, you really get to experience every bump and victory along Goro’s incredible baseball career from when he is just a small child till he is an adult near the end of his career. This is tied with Touch as my second favorite baseball series ever created (Cross Game is first by a LARGE margin). Relationships spanning years upon years are constantly tested, challenged and renewed throughout and along with the riveting baseball action help define this as an instant classic. The Major series is a must-watch for all whether you like sports anime or not.
This was a fantastic series and Ufotable (of The Garden of Sinners fame) was really able to show off their animation skills to the max here. This prequel to Fast/stay Night (which was made by Studio Deen) was leaps and bounds better than its predecessor in every aspect from story and pacing to animation, art and choreography. I watched Fate/stay Night first as I was told that watching it after Fate/Zero would just make it pale in comparison and I think this may be the best option (of course if you have the time, play the visual novel of Fate/Stay night instead). Even though I knew of some of the events to happen, Fate/Zero still kept me on my toes with unexpected twists and surprises. I also learned a lot more about the Fate universe and things from FSN made A LOT more sense after watching FZ as Ufotable did a much better job of explaining things than Studio Deen.
All the masters and servants get their fair share of back story and development and over time I really started to emphasize with each one of them. The dialogue and writing is fantastic in both the dub and sub versions. I loved the soundtrack too especially the first OP, "oath sign" by LiSA. Everything moved at a great pace and I couldn't wait to watch the next episode. Most importantly, this probably had the best action scenes that I've seen in any TV anime series (the Eva Rebuild and The Garden of Sinners of movies are on similar levels) so try to watch this on a big screen.
This show is definitely a must watch for anyone that enjoys a deep and compelling action-adventure anime. I'm really looking forward to Ufotable's remake of the FSN series (following Illya's arc I believe) that will be released in 2014. And definitely watch The Garden of Sinners movies as ManicB says. You won't regret it.
Wow. GLOW is such a fantastic show with a lot of unexpected depth to it. I didn't know what to really expect (other than Alison Brie wrestling other women) after just skimming some reviews online and trying not to spoil myself, but it was very well made dealing with a myriad of different social issues and themes. I never thought that so much drama and intrigue could come out of making a female wrestling league/show.
There are definitely a decent amount of feminism and SJW vibes, which can usually turn me off to a show/movie if taken overboard. However, I thought the tone of the show struck a very nice balance to those themes with wisely timed comedic dialogue and chose not to go too overboard on stating some of the "obvious". I really liked the emphasized theme of "things don't just happen; people make choices" that is expanded upon. There are some times you can't just blame society and everyone else for everything, and at times, you have to just take some responsibility yourself.
Alison Brie did a great job as the lead in this one, and hit the humorous parts quite well. She definitely doesn't play the typical spunky girl who never gets down in order to overcome all obstacles in this one. Lots of bad shit happens to her constantly in this show (some of it self-inflicted), and she has to eventually deal with the consequences. Some are dealt with better than others. She really developed her character throughout the course of this season, but she never really crossed into that "totally likeable" realm for me.
However, this is alright because the other supporting characters in GLOW were fantastic in their roles as well. I was pleasantly surprised that the show was really able to flesh out almost every single character/female wrestler introduced and give them all some plot lines and conflict to overcome (even Sheila the wolf girl!!). My favorite girl/wrestler was probably definitely Debbie, played by Betty Gilpin. She is just badass and goes totally YOLO at times. The end of episode 1 was just pure f'n gold. I could watch that entire scene over and over again. It was so well acted out between Alison Brie and herself. I also really enjoyed Marc Maron's character, the director Sam Sylvia, who adds a ton of crass humor into all the dialogue that he's given. He could have just mailed it in as the sleazy coke'd out director, but he completely owns the role and adds so much to the show.
Anyway, I really enjoyed GLOW and I'm hoping for confirmation of a second season ASAP because the creators definitely left a few loose-ends hanging and we still have a lot more potential story to unfold. Looks like Netflix has another hit on their hands. Watch/binge it if you can at least before GoT owns all our lives starting in July.
I finished The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and really enjoyed it. Another great production from "Amazon Studios". Very solid acting all around and I loved how it delved into (aka made fun of) the rich New York Jewish community/stereotype in addition to the standup comedy scene from the late 1950's. The episodes are a bit long at times coming in at a full hour, but the writing and delivery of all the characters is very well done. Rachel Brosnahan who plays the main character, Midge, is hilarious, and plays the Jewish housewife entering a life crisis to the T.
The only disappointing thing is that this show was obviously written as a two season order from the get-go (which it was). Season 1 definitely ends at a pretty big cliffhanger moment with a lot of things kind of hanging in the balance and more story to go, but that's more natural since a second season was already green-lit when this ordered. I would have preferred to get a little more resolution during the season finale, but it does have me wanting/begging for more. I also really wish that it was based on a true story, but alas...
Really looking forward to the second season coming ASAP.
Psycho-Pass was an absolute thrill to watch with its excellent combination of a intricate plot and ever-developing characters that were all set in a very thought-provoking dystopian future Japan. This show grabbed me instantly and wouldn't let go. The over-arching plot is just superb with plenty of twists, shocking moments, varying sets/situations and even a few feels along the way. The use of criminal-coefficients and the Sibyl system along with the themes that they invoked have been done before but I thought that P-P put a very cool and unique spin on it. This wasn't just an "evil" big brother system that was controlling every one in a totalitarian manner. There were very clear benefits to this so-called "perfect" system and this is where a lot of the show's conflicts arise.
The characters are also where the show truly excelled. Kougami was a badass MC with a very clear motivation for "justice" but was constantly walking the tightrope between what was right and vigilantism. I initially thought that the female MC, Akane, was a bit weak but I was definitely proven wrong. Her development from a naive and gullible newbie to a true and intuitive detective struggling with the ideals and purpose of the Sibyl was handled excellently. It was very believable and followed along with my same feelings about the world of P-P. The other supporting characters were very strong as well especially Masaoka. And, last but not least, was the villain Makishima. He was truly one of the best villains that I've seen in a while with his brilliant schemes, awesome dialogue (so many quotes from brilliant authors from Shakespeare to recent philosophers), and his very distinct motivations. You could really sympathize and understand what he was trying to accomplish yet at the same time, despised/loved him at the same time.
Watch this show ASAP. This is one psychological thriller that you shouldn't miss. You won't be disappointed. I can't wait for the movie and the second season to come out.
This is probably one of the funniest and most heartfelt animes out there. This is a great reverse harem show and you literally fall in love with almost every single character. They start out as your basic stereotypes but everyone has an amazing backstory that is expanded upon. Also, Haruhi is the best.
Just one episode in, I'm going to go out on a limb and call Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso as the potential sleeper AOTS. With a superb focus on music and its dynamic characters, I'm getting some early vibes of Nodame Cantabile reincarnated right here. Just listen to the OP once and you'll be hooked. It's also very cool that the anime will cover the entire manga as they're supposed to end at about the same time. This is a definite watch. As @ManiacB has stated, I just have to pray that A-1 doesn't screw this up because Nodame Cantabile + Moe = Winning.
Yu Yu Hakusho is just a classic and riveting shounen from the glory days with an awesome English dub to boot (one of the few where the dub is better than the sub imo). There are so many great characters, laughs, tears and memorable moments all wrapped into this one unforgettable journey spanning 112 episodes. The best arcs are the Dark Tournament (season 2) and Chapter Black (season 3) sagas and I could watch them over and over again.
Do yourself a favor. Don't think. Just watch.
I love my rom/coms and my tsunderes and Toradora! certainly did not disappoint. It's one of the best anime rom/coms that I've ever seen (tied right with Clannad) and is a must watch if you have any interest in the genre at all. While the overall story may be a bit on the predictable side, there are plenty of surprising twists and turns along the way. The characters are what truly shine in Toradora! in how they develop and depend on each other to how each one of their flaws and fears are gradually revealed. The voice acting and music are superb as well. This is truly one of the best stories about the development of true love between a "Tiger and Dragon". Just watch it.
This is an absolutely fantastic anime that tackles very mature and graphic themes, such as discrimination, abandonment, and just pure suffering. I really liked how all these tiny pieces and story lines tied together from the beginning up until the very end (even the OVA). The relationships between the characters and the support that they build for each other from their own miserable experiences and pain are truly remarkable. It shows that good can come out of such horrible things. I will warn that this anime is incredibly graphic (gore, nudity, abuse, etc) but it's there for good reason. The story is well done and the animation does not really show its age. This is a great watch if you're in the mood for a dark anime.
This is another masterpiece done by Kyoto Animation. Can they do no wrong? It's a great slice-of-life school anime with a good mix of mystery, drama and a bit of romance (wish there was a bit more personally). I really loved how this series was very realistic in its scenarios, drama and character development which really helped me fall in love with the charming characters even more. Obviously, the art, animation and music are off the charts too. I just pray that there is a second season or movie to tie up the ending (beautifully done but I need my romantic conclusions!!).
Mini-update to my previous post for the show... It's AMAZING. Watch this NOW!! The show only got better and better (until it sadly ended... for now). This is definitely not your traditional shoujo show. It has a great mix of that light shoujo humor that we all love along with some great animated action and pretty serious moments/feels that parallel some very superb character development. I got so addicted to Akatsuki no Yona that I already read ahead in the manga before the last episode and now I’m just waiting for scantalations (aka suffering). The next parts in the manga after the conclusion of the first season are even better.
This was probably my most surprising anime of the season/s. While the romance isn't full blown, it develops and is hinted at with lots of curves thrown our way. While it's a long ways away, there are just a few moments every few episodes that just make you ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
My best comparison to this would be a more of a romantic shoujo version of Seirei no Moribito with its protecting theme and the bits of fantasy elements and world building developed throughout.
I can't recommend this enough. A very solid 8/10 from me and I have the manga at a 9/10 (I just might be on a Yona high though). I try to recommend it to everyone as it has been criminally underwatched (but it is building a lot of good word of mouth).
I'm pumped for the upcoming OVA. Hopefully, a second season is announced after the OVA comes out. And I need my new scantalations in the manga. Being ~30 chapters behind sucks :(
tl;dr - Watch Akatsuki no Yona. Now.
Through 4 episodes, I think that this is the best show that is airing this season so far. It is an amazing combination of wit, comedy, epic "battles" and, of course, fanservice (Shiro = moe). The brother-sister MC combo of Sora and Shiro have vibed perfectly so far and I can't wait for the new episode to air each Wednesday. It reminds me of the setup in Mondaiji-tachi ga Isekai kara Kuru Sou Desu yo? but has many more interesting premises and brings more intellectual charm and humor imo. The art/colors take a little getting used to in the beginning but I don't mind it now. Madhouse is really showing off their stuff with this and I hope that a second season is in the works soon. Definitely give this a shot and watch a few episodes for the action to really heat up.
